Bhai Vir Singh or Maharaja Ranjit Singh, residents in dilemma over naming famous Lawrence Road

On the request of a cross-section of city residents, the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has advocated renaming the famous Lawrence road after Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

However, a majority of the people are unaware that the road named after British official John Lawrence in 1870 was officially rechristened Bhai Vir Singh Marg decades ago. Yet, the name Lawrence road continues to be popular among locals.

Iqbal Singh Lalpura, president of the NCM, in a communiqué to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stated that during his recent visit to the holy city, a representation was received to change the name of Lawrence road to Maharaja Ranjit Singh road. He mentioned in the letter to the CM that the Maharaja was regarded as the only Indian king who successfully prevented invasion from Afghanistan. He added that the renaming of Lawrence road to ‘Maharaja Ranjit Singh road’would be a befitting tribute to his leadership and memory.

“I would be grateful if you could consider this request and direct the officials concerned to take necessary action under intimation to this Commission,” wrote Lalpura to CM.

Earlier, a host of city residents, including Raman Gupta, president, Industries Association, Amritsar, Surinder Singh from Rotary Club, Amritsar and Dr Jaswinder Singh Dhillon, honorary secretary of Global Punjabi Association and others made this demand to Lalpura.

The residence of Bhai Vir Singh, which has been turned into a museum, is situated on the same road. It offers a peep into the life of ace Punjabi poet hailed as the sixth river of Punjab. However, no efforts were made to popularise the re-christened road.